Price of Eggs Plunges, but Relief Could Be Short-Lived for Weary Consumers: Here’s What To Know

After months of skyrocketing egg prices, the cost of a dozen eggs has recently plunged. But this relief may be short-lived for weary consumers worried about affordability.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Consumer Price Index report for April, showing that egg prices declined by 12.7% when compared to the prior month. The last decline in egg prices was recorded in October 2024.

“Retail egg prices remain near historic highs as a persistent outbreak of bird flu wipes out flocks of egg-laying hens. The April average price for a dozen large eggs was 79% higher than the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for the same month a year ago, when the price averaged $2.86 per dozen,” AP News reported.

Brian Earnest, CoBank’s lead economist for animal protein, told Bloomberg, “Demand played a major role in market conditions during the first quarter.” Even though supplies improved through Easter, “scarcity remained a fixture through April,” he explained.

The future path of egg prices will depend on the current administration’s ability to handle the bird flu crisis. In 2021, before the outbreak began, the average price of grade A large eggs remained at a price point of around $1.80 per dozen. After President Trump took office, the government planned to tackle soaring egg prices. This plan also focused on cutting through red tape, helping farms repopulate their flocks, and putting money into vaccine and treatment research for these animals. Long-term results have yet to be determined from these efforts.

Dr. Gail Hansen, former state epidemiologist and public health veterinarian for Kansas, said in a statement to Newsweek, “It’s a welcome relief for many Americans that egg prices have finally begun to drop, but this is unfortunately not the end of the story.”

She added, “Bird flu remains a major threat that will strike again — as long as factory farms continue to dominate our poultry market. By cramming together tens of thousands of chickens, corporations have created the perfect conditions to supercharge this recent bird flu outbreak, and which will inevitably do so again.”

Egg prices in the U.S. reached record highs, driven primarily by a severe outbreak of bird flu, which caused supply chain issues. The outbreak has led to the culling of over 166 million birds since 2022, including more than 30 million egg-laying hens in early 2025.

Creative Substitutes for Eggs Gain Popularity Until Prices Stabilize

When egg prices spike, consumers tend to look for alternative pantry staples as a way to continue to enjoy their favorite breakfasts, baked goods, and other menu items in the interim. These creative substitutes are more wallet-friendly, particularly when consumers have to feed a larger family.

For baking, vegan flaxseed eggs are a good alternative. Typically, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed is mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste that can be used in muffins, pancakes, and cookies. Alternatively, unsweetened applesauce and mashed bananas could be utilized.

Tofu scrambles are a stand-in for scrambled eggs. Just crumble firm tofu, and season it with spices and flavorings. The liquid from a can of chickpeas, aquafaba, can also be used as an egg substitute. To replace one large egg, you can use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba.

While egg prices may keep consumers on their toes, it’s clear they’re not just a typical grocery list item anymore. These protein-packed food products are cracking open bigger conversations about supply chains, demand, and affordability.